I 28f, was just told by my mother that I need to Doucet as I have a strong vaginal odor. The problem with this is not only do I know douching is bad and does not help, but I also had been working on my car all day and had not gotten a chance to shower yet. I also regularly check my vagina and make sure to eat healthy and not wash my vulva with anything other than unscented ph balanced soap and water. I even stuck my finger inside and it smells like a normal clean vagina.
I also recently had a Pap smear and vaginal check up done last week and did not have any abnormalities. I do not douche ever. And only use a dye free fragrance free ph balanced soap vaginal cleanser on my vulva.
I have had BV twice since having my son three years ago, however I am very symptomatic when it comes to any slight change in my vagina. It will have strange discharge, smell and be very uncomfortable. And I am acutely aware of any smell from my body, as it makes me self conscious.
Now where the conflicting thing is she says it’s necessary especially for sexual active people. I have not only not been sexually active since January, but I have asked many other people both male and female if they notice an odor from me. The answer is always no, and from the men in particular they say I smell quite good. I was going to have a sexual encounter today, however I decided that I didn’t want to. My male friend who was the other party in question got very close to my nude vagina during that time. I asked him if I smelled bad and he said I did not, that I actually smelled really good.
I guess I typed all of that to say is there any advice, or recommendations you could give me. I’m genuinely confused.